Glen Gunderman provided the shotgun start for those playing the rounds of golf. With the shotgun start, play could begin the simultaneously.

SUBMITTED PHOTOYoung and young-at-heart alike enjoyed the many games provided by the Gundermanís for the Cow Pie Open. The young men pictured above were taking part in the ear-corn throwing contest.

SUBMITTED PHOTORounds of golf were enjoyed by those who attended the 15th annual Cow Pie Open - they just had to be careful of where they stepped!

SUBMITTED PHOTOThe mini-golf course provided a challenging game for those who wanted to play.

for fifteenth consecutive year

St. Paul's Lutheran Church and School held their Annual Cow Pie Open on Saturday, August 10th at the Glen and Kay Gunderman farm south of Fulda. This was the fifteenth consecutive year the Cow Pie Open has been hosted by the Gundermans. The day had as its centerpiece a four-person best-ball golf outing on a scenic pasture west of the building site. The course was composed of five holes repeated twice along rolling hills, with a brook for a water hazard, plenty of rough along the green, and natural animal-made obstacles to avoid. A shotgun start for those playing was offered so that many could enjoy the event simultaneously. Golfers were relegated to a single club for play in the categories of children, women, and men. Awards are given for the longest shot, the shortest shot, the most cow pies encountered, the most lost balls, youngest and oldest players, and many other amusing categories.

In addition to the golfing fun, there is always an ear-corn throwing contest, volleyball, horseshoes, a basketball hoop-shoot, a ďcow pieĒ (Frisbee) throw competition, mini-golf course, and an inflatable bouncy house with slide for the entertainment of participants of all ages.

Included in the day is a wonderful meal of grilled pork patties, fresh corn on the cob, watermelon, bars and cookies, chips, baked beans, ice cream, and more. Free-will donations are accepted at the event, but contributions, though generously given, are not required for attendance, participation, or the meal. The Cow Pie Open is meant as a wonderful community and congregational social mixer, in which all families may come and enjoy the day with others.

The Cow Pie Open is a unique and fun day filled with laughter, good food, and lots of fun. It is held always the second Saturday in the month of August and each year everyone is invited to enjoy the day's festivities.